Visitors flock to Florida to take advantage of the weather and the amazing amenities. (Nearly 120 million of them in 2021 alone.) You live here — shouldn’t you get the most out of what the state has to offer too? Adding work-from-home flexibility to your professional life can help you do that.
No wonder remote work schedules have become popular, both in Florida and in the country as a whole. A survey conducted by Slack showed that only 12% of people prefer going to an office every day. The vast majority — 72% — gravitate towards employers with a hybrid model, allowing work from home for part of the time.
However, it’s important to note that a work-from-home experience doesn’t suit everybody. After all, approximately one in eight people told Slack they would rather travel to the office each day. How do you know if remote work is a good fit for you?
The Pros and Cons of a Work-from-Home Schedule
As you look at the labor market, a work-from-home situation might seem like an appealing option. However, you have to weigh the benefits against the possible drawbacks. With that in mind, here are some of the pros and cons of a remote schedule:
Pros:
- Save time/money on commutes and other tasks secondary to your job
- Chances for better work/life balance
- Less chance for micromanagement
Cons:
- Less connection with teammates
- Loneliness and isolation
- Need to operate without supervisors/support staff
- Potential distractions at home
- Blurred line between home and work
Discovering If Remote Work Is Right For You
Now that you know the general benefits and drawbacks of remote work, it’s time to consider whether the structure is a good fit for you. This ultimately comes down to a very personal decision. Some people succeed in the setting, preferring it to in-office work. Others flounder.
As you review your options, here are a few questions you should ask yourself as you consider a remote position:
Can I still advance my career outside of an office?
Getting noticed in a remote setting can be difficult. You no longer have casual interactions with your supervisor to build a strong relationship. As a result, you might not get the same recognition for your work as you’d receive in an office setting.
Consider your personality and where you are in your career. These factors will help determine whether you would thrive in a work-from-home role.
Do I have the skills necessary to succeed in a remote setting?
Not everyone is well suited for a remote position. Before seeking out a work-at-home role, conduct a self-assessment to make sure that it suits your personality and skill set. Consider abilities like:
- Ability to self-motivate
- Organization
- Technical proficiency
- Long-distance communication skills
- Creative problem solving
If you don’t have a firm background in these areas, you can begin building your skill base for a remote position down the road. At the same time, remember that some jobs lend themselves to remote work more than others. To maximize your ability to land a work-from-home role, gravitate towards industries that prominently feature those opportunities.
Does my home make a good remote workspace?
Part of succeeding in a remote setting goes beyond your skills and background. Your physical setting matters as well. If your home is going to become your office, it has to provide a space conducive to achieving your professional goals.
Make sure you have a dedicated area for working, free of distractions. Keep a distance from other people (and animals) as much as possible, so you don’t get interrupted by roommates, partners, children, or pets.
At the same time, review your tech backbone. Check that you have the right equipment for remote working, including an adequate computer and a stable internet connection.
Want to Further Seek Work-From-Home Opportunities?
Living in Florida and thinking of making a lifestyle change for yourself? Hiregy can connect you with amazing work-from-home opportunities.
Contact Hiregy to find the right remote job in Jacksonville, Orlando, or Tampa, Fla.
